The weather was great today and the park was full of people taking in the pause in the rain. Didn't get much painting done as so many people came through and so many conversations. Gallery owners, art enthusiasts, native artwork enthusiasts, referrals, and return visits. No red dots yet, but there is a distinct buzz happening and so much positive feedback to process. As an artist, it is so reaffirming when it becomes obvious that I've cornered a new and particular niche with my totem paintings. In the conversations dealing with First Nations content, I am thankful for the very early discussions that my son and I had early in the game as I wanted to fully examine the sincerity and integrity of my transition into painting realistic and respectful details of the Master Carvers. The totem paintings speak for themselves, and they are speaking loudly. A few people noted that their presence was so powerful as you entered the room. And the 'wood' is really coming across. That being said, then my work has been successful. It is about the majesty and nobility of the totems after all, and it is fitting that they are the ones starting the sharing and conversing.

The rain has not been cooperating with the exhibition. With the heavy rains (again) I decided to work at home and move the icon commission design forward on Thursday and Friday. I'll be back at the gallery today for the remainder of the show, but it is still pouring rain out there. Really cuts down on the foot traffic along the sea wall. But if you can make it, by car, transit, or by foot, hope to see you there ~ at the Silk Purse Gallery.

﻿As i was standing in the rain, waiting for the gallery to open, and feeling ho-hum about the rain, the resident eagle made a wonderful arrival right on cue. Announcing its arrival all the way, it the glided twice around the the tree with it perch. It then landing on its perch, throwing its head back, and vocalizing all along. "Thank you" You made my day. The rain eased up and had loads of people come in through the afternoon, and lots of great conversations.﻿

I managed to get my work station at the gallery positioned a bit further from the corner to open up access the the ‘Noble Eagle’ painting on the end. And it was more conducive for people to see me working and chat. I've included a photo which I took just before starting painting today.

The weather hasn’t been helping attendance but the few that came, moved me with their responses.- On how the paintings brought you close up to the totems and seeing the detail & colours otherwise missed when you see the totems in real life.- Couldn’t say enough about the realism and complexity of colour.- It was all about the wood, textures etc.

The gallery is also enjoying having me there and painting. I get maybe 1/2 the time to paint but the access to people is so important. I would have missed all these conversations if I hadn’t been there.

So with all this buzzing through my mind, I packed up at the end of the afternoon and looking forward to tomorrow. No sales yet, but so much potential.

The day went well. The first few hours were quiet, painting with just the sound of falling rain, the seranade of a nearby eagle, and a beautiful vista of the water. Glorious! I am determined to enjoy every precious minute.

People began coming in for the next 3 hours, with lots of questions and positive comments. Been hearing that key people love the exhibit and are saying they want to tell others about it. And yes, there are some that are so convinced that they are carved or shaped, they look at a canvas from the side to see that it is indeed painted on a flat canvas. :-) All good!

So my painting onsite will continue on Tuesday.

PLEASE BE ADVISED - The Silk Purse Gallery has decided to return to its regular hours a month earlier, so you can come see Journeying With The Totems from Noon - 5pm starting today. My posters out there still say Noon - 4pm.

Author

Andre Prevost, began his work in theatre in the late 70s after completing his studies at the Banff School of Fine Arts, and in his iconography in 1980, and having a large body of work in each. He has since been based in Western Canada; North Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and now back on the West Coast.